2019 Klein Constantia 'Vin de Constance' Muscat de Frontignan Constantia 500ml

Winemaker Notes: Bright light gold in colour. A delicately perfumed yet elevated nose with flavours of white peach, citrus blossom and orange zest. There is an intriguing creaminess on the nose followed by nutmeg and lemon curd. The palate abounds with complex flavours of oak spice, ginger and bright fruit. A delicate balance between sugar and acidity creating a seemingly dryer style of Vin de Constance. The wine concludes with a long and evolving finish with texture and a delicate spice.

Our estate was originally part of Simon van der Stel’s vast Constantia estate, granted in 1685. It then formed part of Groot Constantia until 1823, when the land was divided between the brothers Jacob Pieter and Johan Gerhard Cloete. The latter took ownership of the upper reaches, situated on the eastern slopes and foothills of the Constantiaberg, where there were already over 33,000 vines planted. He named this magnificent piece of land Klein Constantia.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Decanter - "The 2019 vintage was a little unpredictable, with 26 passes in the vineyard between late February and late April to determine optimal ripeness. Each pass was separately vinified, some for zing, others for a more raisin-like profile, blended together late during fermentation for balance, the skill of Matt Day’s guidance is allowing the fermentation to stop naturally through this meticulous process. Aged for 15 months in 50% new French and Hungarian oak followed by a further 15 months larger format foudres the result secures Matt’s place in winemaking history as a youthful legend with another near perfect release of this iconic sweet wine. Glimmering gold in the glass it’s a gorgeous whirl of apricot, orange blossom, hay and lemon curd. Lightly syrupy texture with an uptick of gingery orange zest, there’s a lengthy spiciness to the accomplished finish which soars and surges all at once. For Muscat de Frontignan to feel this elegant and sippable so young is dreamy. If you’ve the patience to cellar it, expect great things. Otherwise this is the ultimate teatime wine to pour right now."


James Suckling - "Bright, medium to deep gold hue, showing focused and pure aromas of honeysuckle, fresh vanilla, lemon tart, dried mango, ginger and a hint of saffron. Certainly quite sweet, but not unctuous, with the natural, effortless acidity managing to balance the lushness. Intense, yet scented and naturally expressive. Persistent finish. You crave for a second glass if you drink it now, but you can also hold it for a decade in your cellar."


Vinous - "The 2019 Vin de Constance is matured for 18 months in 500-liter Hungarian and French oak barrels, 50% new, followed by another 18 months in oak foudres. The growing season saw more sunlight hours than previous vintages (2,998 compared to 2,588 in 2018 for example). It has an understated nose, almost Sauternes-like even if it does not contain an ounce of botrytis. Subtle nutty aromas percolate through the wild honey and quince scents, wax resin and lanolin. The palate is medium-bodied and very pure. Disarmingly fine acidity, it is slightly Germanic towards the finish. with a hint of lemongrass lingering on the aftertaste. This is a superb Vin de Constance under the tenure of Matt Day that is a step closer to what you might confusingly call a non-sweet dessert wine. "